I AM SO GLAD YOU FINALLY DID THIS. I remember first trying out the Mark 1 100 watt Archon in Guitar Center and thinking it was one of the meanest amps I ever tried. So I was real curious about the Mark II. I'm happy to hear it's just as mean as the original for much less money. Thanks Kyle!
I am happy you made this video. As an Archon 100 owner I have admittedly always been curious about the 50. I love my 100 loop issues be damned (but I fixed that so all is well) Love the smooth gain and saturation these produce at every volume level. Almost like a smoother 5150.
One difference I believe was they were supposed to have fixed the effects loop. I had heard the Mk1 had a very noisy effects loop and this one updated it. as a side note, the Pod Go model I almost always go to is based on an Archon. Love that amp sound
Man it only stinks how they just butchered the looks though. It was the only good looking amp in the history of PRS and they just threw it out. Sounds great, though.
I've been considering one of these over dropping over twice as much on a mark V, so really glad you made this video man haha. Super jealous of your balaguer.
I have a Jackson Kelly KEQX green quilted top and a new Schecter E1 purple burst With Sustainiac, SS frets, Composite fretboard and carbon fiber binding. Its fucking amazing for a production (Go Samick Factory Korea!, Also make the LTDs) and as a bought new with case as a gift from the new GF it's the nicest gift and guitar I ajve ever owned. I fell in love with the Explorer/Destroyer/,Kelly shapes all over again after playing 33 years. I actually had a Kelly to record 2 years after I did a gig with Kyle when he was in BK down in York PA
I have one of the first run US 25's. It had a trans issue and I sent it back for warranty work. They did some tweaks to it in addition to the loop mod and fixing the transformer. When I got it back, it sounds more like the MTS when dialed in.
Is the hum at idle a problem and will it clean up with your guitar volume? I’m thinking of getting one but a lot of demos saying it’s noisy when not playing. I want this for playing tool and it’s got to clean up pretty good on guitar volume or it’s a no
I bought one of these about a month and a half ago...worked for 5 hours, then overheated and never turned on again. Never got a chance to do a review on it. Its a shame because I really liked the sound when it was working.
I still have my American made Archon 100 and its a beast.. The original 50 just dint sound like the 100 does.. My 100 has no loop issues oe weird noises.. Its the easiest amp to dial in, responds extremely well to guitar volume changes.. Its what I always though a rectifier should sound like.
@@mhoff7722 The American 100 Archon is amazing.. Have mine ran into a friedman 4x12 grenbacks top V30's bottom and ,man I can cover from early AC/DC to Van Halen to Maiden, Megadeth very well.. It can do metallica but requires more eq'ing for that, and so if I want top jam metallica I just use my Mesa 50Cal+
Nice set up. The american versions are getting harder to find at a reasonable price. Might grab one of the newer 50 watters to try out. Really looking for something lighter than my 100 watters but with more headroom than my JJ Jr. The best sound for the least amount of $ lol. I"ve also been looking for a Friedman 2x12 as an all around portable cab for all of my amps. 🤘🤘🤘 @@paisteplayer1040
Prs related, I saw you have/had an SE holcomb up for sale. Will you be doing a video on that? Curious of your opinion on the duncan omega bridge pickup.
SAME METALLICA RIFFS ALL DAY LONG BRO PLAY SOMETHING DIFF... Let me shut up my alter ego for a second. Great video, as usual! I DIG the tone without an OD at 4:55 much more than the boosted tone. So crunchy and full!
Yeah I keep waiting on that mythical amp, and not wanting to buy anything else until I get to finally hear one when released. It’s been a couple years in development now though 😭
You mentioned that it's a mixture of an Uberschall and a Rectifier. In what ways is it similar to a Recto? Does it improve upon the Recto sound in your opinion?
Man, I think nothing can beat the rectifier at the rectifier thing. It's a signature sound and these days, there isn't much I don't like about them. I think the bright switch engaged and pushing the treble resembles the high end aggression of the rectifier that wont be found in the Uberschall.
just curious.....what kind of interface are you running the sm57 through? Sounds great. I use a couple of Focusrite interfaces, but looking to upgrade the interface or using a higher end preamp.
Hey Kyle! Would you be interested in doing a video about expanding an amp collection? Like I have a Fireball 100 but if I wanted to get another amp that does a whole different high gain thing what would be some good options? Hopefully that would be fun for other people too
Conflicted on new amp and the archon has been on my radar for sure, this and an EVH 5150 3 stealth or the new 6505's either classic or 2. Then a Dual rec . Gah
Thanks for doing this lol I had the archon 100 and I parted with it due to continued fx loop issues, but loved the sound. Been wondering if the new 50 is worth it.
Werid we gigged together and stole my drummer😅, how old were you in early 97 at that gig? I just turned 18. My senior year. Answer this for me, which has more high gain and zizzle and has an affordable 50-60w, a 6505+/Invective or an Engl anything?
I have the same amp but the combo version, love it... also there's a quick review of the amp on my channel if anyone wants to check it out.... ps: pls Kyle roll that presence back a little bit man, that's hurting my eyes lol
nah it's not.... the Archon is way more balanced and dark sounding, the mids are different..... the MT15 is voiced more like a modded Rectifier with lots of gain.
I AM SO GLAD YOU FINALLY DID THIS. I remember first trying out the Mark 1 100 watt Archon in Guitar Center and thinking it was one of the meanest amps I ever tried. So I was real curious about the Mark II. I'm happy to hear it's just as mean as the original for much less money. Thanks Kyle!
I am happy you made this video. As an Archon 100 owner I have admittedly always been curious about the 50. I love my 100 loop issues be damned (but I fixed that so all is well) Love the smooth gain and saturation these produce at every volume level. Almost like a smoother 5150.
How did you fix the loop issue?
@Nofarewell Ebtech Hum Eliminator. Cheapest option and works like a charm for any noisey loops.
@@nickharper8145 thanks a lot!
"Cleans are for weak people" is my new motto.
And yeah the Bright switch is very clearly having an effect on the gain as well as the tone.
judging from what I see on youtube, No one that plays a high-gain amp has enough chords with their ability to play melodically clean.
Own this amp and love it! Great video too. Do you prefer the archon over a Rectifier or are they different amps?
Really liking this amp. Sounds kind of like the Friedman BE.
And seriously improved with the SD1 and MXR.
Those SD Antiquities PAF’s are awesome: super clean under high gain.
Really liked them the best ❤
Yes, they're a sleeper for metal tones! PAF style pickups are in general!
@@belligerentamateurPRS 57/08s are great for the same reason. Clarity for days under high gain.
Great sludge, doom and grungy amp.. I recorded with one on one side and a Marshall JVM and nailed some Kim Thayil style of tones..
One difference I believe was they were supposed to have fixed the effects loop. I had heard the Mk1 had a very noisy effects loop and this one updated it.
as a side note, the Pod Go model I almost always go to is based on an Archon. Love that amp sound
I hope so I got rid of original for that reason.
Man it only stinks how they just butchered the looks though. It was the only good looking amp in the history of PRS and they just threw it out. Sounds great, though.
I've been considering one of these over dropping over twice as much on a mark V, so really glad you made this video man haha. Super jealous of your balaguer.
Shoot, Mesa's just shot up in price
I would want more black in the silver burst and a Floyd, but ME TOO!!!! 😮
I have a Jackson Kelly KEQX green quilted top and a new Schecter E1 purple burst With Sustainiac, SS frets, Composite fretboard and carbon fiber binding. Its fucking amazing for a production (Go Samick Factory Korea!, Also make the LTDs) and as a bought new with case as a gift from the new GF it's the nicest gift and guitar I ajve ever owned. I fell in love with the Explorer/Destroyer/,Kelly shapes all over again after playing 33 years. I actually had a Kelly to record 2 years after I did a gig with Kyle when he was in BK down in York PA
A very unique amp indeed with beefy lows and a smooth top end. It sounds really sludgy when you tune into those drop Z tunings.
I have one of the first run US 25's. It had a trans issue and I sent it back for warranty work. They did some tweaks to it in addition to the loop mod and fixing the transformer. When I got it back, it sounds more like the MTS when dialed in.
I'm not even a minute in and that is sounding PISSED. Love it. Good to know the original Archon DNA hasn't been overly tweaked or messed with.
This is my exact rig. 50 watt archon mkii through a Mesa 4x12. Sounds fuckin killer
great rig!
Is the hum at idle a problem and will it clean up with your guitar volume? I’m thinking of getting one but a lot of demos saying it’s noisy when not playing. I want this for playing tool and it’s got to clean up pretty good on guitar volume or it’s a no
Thank you for playing in standard tuning. No one else seems to do that for archon demoes.
Some players love to tame the beasts! Some don’t! As always I love you’re content and I always will!
appreciate ya John!
I bought one of these about a month and a half ago...worked for 5 hours, then overheated and never turned on again. Never got a chance to do a review on it. Its a shame because I really liked the sound when it was working.
Great demo Kyle. I like the way it sounds. Thanks brother!
I still have my American made Archon 100 and its a beast.. The original 50 just dint sound like the 100 does.. My 100 has no loop issues oe weird noises.. Its the easiest amp to dial in, responds extremely well to guitar volume changes.. Its what I always though a rectifier should sound like.
Just tried an older 100 watt at GC and loved it. Sounded great through a Marshall 1960 4x12.
@@mhoff7722 The American 100 Archon is amazing..
Have mine ran into a friedman 4x12 grenbacks top V30's bottom and ,man I can cover from early AC/DC to Van Halen to Maiden, Megadeth very well.. It can do metallica but requires more eq'ing for that, and so if I want top jam metallica I just use my Mesa 50Cal+
Nice set up. The american versions are getting harder to find at a reasonable price. Might grab one of the newer 50 watters to try out. Really looking for something lighter than my 100 watters but with more headroom than my JJ Jr. The best sound for the least amount of $ lol. I"ve also been looking for a Friedman 2x12 as an all around portable cab for all of my amps. 🤘🤘🤘 @@paisteplayer1040
@@mhoff7722 I had both the 50 and 100, the 100 is much better sounding at every volume
Thanks man. I appreciate the info! @@paisteplayer1040
I really wanted that amp but the deal breaker was that I can't switch to my belligerent leads ala 5153.
Had it for 3 month then sold it I don’t really like it and then no Standby switch and that loud bang when i turn it off 😵
One of the best amps on the market…easy
Prs related, I saw you have/had an SE holcomb up for sale. Will you be doing a video on that? Curious of your opinion on the duncan omega bridge pickup.
My original 50 watt archon is one I’ll never get rid of. I have always described it as a cross between a rectifier and uberschall as well.
SAME METALLICA RIFFS ALL DAY LONG BRO PLAY SOMETHING DIFF...
Let me shut up my alter ego for a second.
Great video, as usual! I DIG the tone without an OD at 4:55 much more than the boosted tone. So crunchy and full!
I'm looking forward to the MT100 Tremonti amp!
Yeah I keep waiting on that mythical amp, and not wanting to buy anything else until I get to finally hear one when released. It’s been a couple years in development now though 😭
@Travis Lee Sadly, Mythical is sounding more and more like an accurate description of what was and or is to be the MT100
You mentioned that it's a mixture of an Uberschall and a Rectifier. In what ways is it similar to a Recto? Does it improve upon the Recto sound in your opinion?
Man, I think nothing can beat the rectifier at the rectifier thing. It's a signature sound and these days, there isn't much I don't like about them. I think the bright switch engaged and pushing the treble resembles the high end aggression of the rectifier that wont be found in the Uberschall.
@@belligerentamateur Thanks for the reply and also for thanks for the video. 🤘🏻
just curious.....what kind of interface are you running the sm57 through? Sounds great. I use a couple of Focusrite interfaces, but looking to upgrade the interface or using a higher end preamp.
just a presonus 1810c, pretty much same level of quality as most of the Focusrite stuff!
@@belligerentamateur oh wow okay. Thanks for the reply
Hey Kyle! Would you be interested in doing a video about expanding an amp collection? Like I have a Fireball 100 but if I wanted to get another amp that does a whole different high gain thing what would be some good options? Hopefully that would be fun for other people too
Kyle i have the newr archon 50 sounds really good boosted ..question is will i like the older 100watt better? as far as tone frequency complexities
Had the MKi 25 combo, sounded great but also sounded like a combo. I may need to get one of these, been eyeing one for a while.
Can confirm, been waiting for this one.
I might be alone but I didn’t like the PRS Archon 100. Amazing cleans but the gain was meh to me.
It requires the precense to be turned up super high, or it’s pretty full.
Are you into tube sag? With all the headroom you have to go past 2 o'clock volume on most 100w amps for sag
These things sound so good Ike Turner couldn't beat it.
Hit me again Ike and put some STANK on it 😂😂😂
That Balaguer is nice and neat…. Beautiful guitar
my favorite guitar!
I've owned one for almost a year and love it! Presence has to be almost dimed for sure.
This vs the Blackstar HT50 MKII for a guy whole mainly does the stoner thing, but occasionally likes to get nioce and tiiiiggt.
Pamela Landy is looking for you dude.
Sounds awesome to me. But having to crank the presence is a bit meh, probably not the best amp for black metal.
How does this head go with an older Marshall 1960BV (1997) ?
Taking out the standby switch is not a great idea.
Putting it on an orange PPC 112 I've found will make it tighter
Conflicted on new amp and the archon has been on my radar for sure, this and an EVH 5150 3 stealth or the new 6505's either classic or 2. Then a Dual rec . Gah
It's easy, get all of them!!!
One by one, slowly but surely you'll get there.
I welcome you to our G.A.S anonymous group.
EVH stealth is a hell of a beast, trust me.
Thanks for doing this lol I had the archon 100 and I parted with it due to continued fx loop issues, but loved the sound. Been wondering if the new 50 is worth it.
for sure, the 50 is very close to the 100
Okay, so when you get that Taylor Danleybstank face, we know we've got a winner.
Lmao
The effects loop is updated to work allot better than the old one especially with gates
Man that amp is very Soldanoish without a boost. I really like it but I'm an old school player.
it's definitely smooth and thick
As per my usual any high gain amp sounds worlds better with an eq in the loop
HE DIDNT HAVE TO HIT US WITH THE BAD SEED RIFF. GYAT DAMNNN🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Hell yeah! More pop-punk riffs!
Also, I feel like this amp was made for me lol. The SD-1 through that thing is NASTY too
the amp is note as loud on the tone side between other amps i heard. its still very good.
Anyone else having a hiss / noise issue with the FX loop on the MK2? I got one and the FX loop is unusuable
Totally thought you were starting to play ITIAMartian by Misfits for the Punk riff😅
My favorite amp. Absolutely love it.
That Silverburst RR off to the side 🥵
it's a ripper!
Sounds pretty good but i'd have a hard time wanting to buy one knowing the presence is so weak 🤷♂️
Look at all those guitars napping on the couch😂
sweet sleepy bb's
"Cleans are for weak people." LMAO!!!! I LOVE IT!!!
I would love to have this amp.
Love that 7 string. I want one
Is that a Mesa Traditional 4x12?
Should have used the Engl cabs mentioned in the video….😒
not how I roll baby
KILLERRRRRRRRRRR.
Can you removed that visual nightmare of a faceplate from the front?
What is that grey od pedal?
For some reason I had the playback speed set to 1.5 and it was very amusing
Good for punk
The PRS Archon 50 for me ist the best AMP in the world
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
Werid we gigged together and stole my drummer😅, how old were you in early 97 at that gig? I just turned 18. My senior year. Answer this for me, which has more high gain and zizzle and has an affordable 50-60w, a 6505+/Invective or an Engl anything?
do you really need that much gear though
hell yeah
@@belligerentamateur 😆
Can never have enough!!
Why add sound deadening materials to your walls when you can build an amp and cabs wall!!!
I sold my archon 50 mk2 now i have archon usa 25 watt.usa made is is way better than endonosiıan one.
sounds awesome, nice n tight
Please turn "Cleans are for weak people" into a shirt
I have the same amp but the combo version, love it... also there's a quick review of the amp on my channel if anyone wants to check it out....
ps: pls Kyle roll that presence back a little bit man, that's hurting my eyes lol
"I believe cleans are for weak people"
cool 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Kyle friggin rules.
my man
(Drop A)ll Out War
The newer archon 112 and 212 cabs are insanely cheap like 350 brand new. Are they just complete china made garbage? Anyone know?
“Cleans are for weak people”😂 love it!
Nice pride shirt 🤣
Canned laughter
Sounds like a metalzone
Its just so ugly tho. Cmon prs
I hate these kinds of riffs… they are so soulless
To me it’s like a 50 watt MT15 with a depth control. Amp absolutely rips though.👍👊
🤘🏼🤘🏼
I didn’t really like the MT15. Too dark, not enough treble/presence for my tastes. And it was a very noisy amp.
No way.
I did a video comparing the two back to back and they're very close
nah it's not.... the Archon is way more balanced and dark sounding, the mids are different..... the MT15 is voiced more like a modded Rectifier with lots of gain.
Its no ENGL savage but it sounds pretty damn good.
SIMPLE.👏SM.👏57.👏SETUP.👏